System and method for termination of an undersea umbilical

ABSTRACT

A termination system comprises a tubular lead member and a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member.

BACKGROUND

The disclosures herein relate generally to undersea wells and moreparticularly to a system and method for termination of an underseaumbilical.

Traditional terminations use a J-plate which includes center lockingmechanisms such as drive screws, collet connectors, or tri-locks,located on the J-plate. These locking mechanisms are expensive,complicated, and use up space on the termination that can be betterutilized.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a system and method forterminating an undersea umbilical absent the disadvantages found in theprior methods discussed above.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present invention, a termination systemis provided that includes a tubular lead member defining a passageway, aconnection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member, and atleast one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tubeat least partially situated in the passageway.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an underseaumbilical is provided that includes a passageway defined by theumbilical, a terminating end on the umbilical, the terminating endcomprising a tubular lead member, a connection member rotatably coupledto the tubular lead member, and at least one tube coupled to theconnection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated inthe passageway.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an undersea wellsystem is provided that includes a connector and an umbilical comprisinga terminating end and defining a passageway. The umbilical is coupled tothe connector by a termination system, the termination system comprisinga tubular lead member on the terminating end, a connection memberrotatably coupled to the tubular lead member, and at least one tubecoupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at leastpartially situated in the passageway.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method forterminating an umbilical is provided that includes extending at leastone tube through the umbilical, protecting the at least one tube in apassageway defined by a tubular lead member, rotatably coupling aconnection member to the tubular lead member, the connection memberoperable to rotate relative to the tubular lead member, coupling the atleast one tube to the connection member, whereby the at least one tubeis operable to rotate in the passageway relative to the tubular leadmember, and protecting the at least one tube with the connection member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method forconnecting a umbilical to an undersea well system is provided thatincludes providing a connector on the undersea well system, extending atleast one tube through the umbilical for connecting to the connector,the umbilical comprising a terminating end, the terminating endcomprising a lead member and a connection member rotatably coupled tothe lead member, coupling the at least one tube to the connectionmember, whereby the at least one tube is operable to rotate in thepassageway relative to the tubular lead member upon rotation of theconnection member, rotating the connection member to orientate theconnection member with the connector, and connecting the at least onetube to the connector through the connection member.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a terminationsystem is provided that includes means for providing a passageway, meansfor connecting the system to a connector rotatably coupled to the meansfor providing a passageway, and means for transmission coupled to themeans for connecting the system to a connector, the means fortransmission at least partially situated in the passageway of the meansfor providing a passageway.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a terminationsystem is provided that includes a connection member comprising a collarand a longitudinal axis, a plurality of bars extending between theconnection member and the collar, a buoyancy device coupled to at leastone bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection membersubstantially in a predetermined position, a plurality of guide holesdefined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operableto guide the connection member for connecting to a connector, a flexibletubular lead member comprising an adapter, the adapter rotatably coupledto the collar, the adapter operable to rotate the flexible tubular leadmember about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to theconnection member, a handle coupled to the connection member, the handleoperable to rotate the connection member, a plurality of buoyant bendlimiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member, a passagewaydefined by the flexible tubular lead member, at least one tube coupledto the connection member, the at least one tube at least partiallysituated in the passageway, and at least one coupler coupled to theconnection member, the at least one coupler operable to couple the atleast one tube to the connector.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an underseaumbilical is provided that includes a passageway defined by theumbilical, a terminating end comprising a flexible tubular lead member,the flexible tubular lead member comprising an adapter, a plurality ofbuoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member, aconnection member comprising a collar and a longitudinal axis, theadapter coupled to the collar and operable to rotate the flexibletubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, the rotation beingrelative to the connection member, a plurality of bars extending betweenthe connection member and the collar, a buoyancy device coupled to atleast one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connectionmember substantially in a predetermined position, a handle coupled tothe connection member, the handle operable to rotate the connectionmember, a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, theplurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member forconnecting to the connector, at least one tube coupled to the connectionmember, the at least one tube at least partially situated in thepassageway, and at least one coupler operable to couple the at least onetube to the connector.

According to another aspect of the present invention, an undersea wellsystem is provided that includes a connector, and an umbilicalcomprising a terminating end and defining a passageway. The umbilical iscoupled to the connector by a termination system, the termination systemcomprising a connection member comprising a collar and a longitudinalaxis, a plurality of bars extending between the connection member andthe collar, a buoyancy device coupled to at least one bar, the buoyancydevice operable to hold the connection member substantially in apredetermined position, a plurality of guide holes defined by theconnection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide theconnection member for connecting to the connector, a flexible tubularlead member comprising an adapter on the terminating end, the adapterrotatably coupled to the collar and operable to rotate the flexibletubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, the rotation beingrelative to the connection member, a handle coupled to the connectionmember, the handle operable to rotate the connection member, a pluralityof buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member, atleast one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tubeat least partially situated in the passageway, and at least one coupleroperable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a method forconnecting a umbilical to an undersea well system is provided thatincludes providing a connector on the undersea well system, providing aterminating end on the umbilical, the umbilical defining a passageway,providing a tubular lead member on the terminating end, situating atleast one tube at least partially in the passageway, providing aconnection member, the connection member comprising a longitudinal axis,rotatably coupling a connection member to the tubular lead member alongthe longitudinal axis, whereby the connection member is operable torotate about the longitudinal axis, coupling the at least one tube tothe connection member, lining up the connection member with theconnector by rotating the connection member about the longitudinal axis,and connecting the connection member to the connector.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a terminationsystem is provided that includes means for connecting the system to aconnector comprising a longitudinal axis, means for manipulating themeans for connecting the system to a connector, means for guiding themeans for connecting the system to a connector for connecting to aconnector, means for providing a passageway coupled to the means forconnecting the system to a connector along the longitudinal axis, meansfor limiting bending coupled to the means for providing a passageway,means for coupling the means for providing a passageway to the means forconnecting the system to a connector, means for coupling the means forconnecting the system to a connector to the means for providing apassageway, means for rigidly coupling extending between the means forconnecting the system to a connector and the means for rotatablycoupling to the means for providing a passageway, means for providingbuoyancy coupled to the means for rigidly coupling, the means forproviding buoyancy operable to hold the means for connecting the systemto a connector substantially in a predetermined position, means fortransmission coupled to the means for connecting the system to aconnector, the means for transmission at least partially situated in thepassageway, and means for coupling the means for transmission to aconnector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a terminationsystem including a partial cross sectional view of a plurality of bendlimiters.

FIG. 2 a is a front view illustrating an embodiment of a plate used inthe termination system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 b is a side cross sectional view, taken along line 2 b of FIG. 2a, illustrating an embodiment of a plate used in the termination systemof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side cross sectional view illustrating an embodiment of aconnection member used in the termination system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of an overhoseand adapter used in the termination system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 a is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a bendlimiter used in the termination system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 b is a side cross sectional view illustrating an embodiment of aplurality of bend limiters used in the termination system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side cross sectional view illustrating an embodiment of thetermination system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method fortermination using the termination system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 a is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of thetermination system of FIG. 1 coupled to a vessel by an umbilical.

FIG. 8 b is a front cross sectional view illustrating an embodiment ofan umbilical used in the termination system of FIG. 8 a.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method fortermination using the termination system of FIG. 8 a.

FIG. 10 a is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of thetermination system of FIG. 8 a used with an undersea well system.

FIG. 10 b is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of thetermination system of FIG. 8 a connected to an undersea well system.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method fortermination using the termination system of FIGS. 10 a and 10 b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring initially to FIGS. 1, 2 a, 2 b, 3, 4, 5 a, 5 b, and 6 of thedrawings, an exemplary embodiment of a termination system 100 isillustrated which includes a plate 102. The plate 102 defines aplurality of longitudinally oriented coupling holes, such as holes 102a, 102 b, 102 c, 102 d, and 102 e. A plurality of tube couplers, such ascouplers 102 f, 102 g, 102 h, 102 i, and 102 j, are coupled to andextend from a surface 102 k on plate 102. The couplers 102 f-j includerespective system connectors 102 l, 102 m, 102 n, 102 o, and 102 p ontheir surfaces. A pair of guide flanges 102 q and 102 r extend fromopposite sides of plate 102 and define guide holes 102 s and 102 t,respectively. A surface 102 u is situated opposite surface 102 k onplate 102.

A plurality of connection bars, such as connection bars 104 a, 104 b,104 c, 104 d, and 104 e, each include an end, such as end 104 f onconnection bar 104 e, which is circumferentially spaced apart fromadjacent connection bars 104 and coupled to the surface 102 u on plate102. The plurality of connection bars 104 a-e extend from the surface102 u and have a second end, such as end 104 g on connection bar 104 e,which is circumferentially spaced apart from adjacent connection bars104 and coupled to a collar 106 on a collar end face 106 a. One or moreof the connection bars 104 a-e may receive one or more tubular buoyancydevice, such as buoyancy device 104 h on bar 104 a.

The collar 106 defines a passageway 106 b running longitudinally throughthe collar 106, and includes a rotational coupling inner wall 106 csituated adjacent the passageway 106 b and along the length of collar106. A handle 106 d is coupled to and extends radially from an upperportion of the collar 106.

An adapter 108 may be coupled to the collar 106 through the coupling ofa rotational coupling outer wall 108 a on adapter 108 with therotational coupling inner wall 106 c on collar 106. Coupling the adapter108 to the collar 106 allows for relative rotation between the adapter108 and the collar 106. The adapter 108 defines a passageway 108 brunning the length of adapter 108, and includes an overhose couplinginner wall 108 c situated adjacent the passageway 108 c and along thelength of adapter 108. A plurality of adapter flanges 108 d and 108 eare coupled to and extend radially from the adapter 108 about thecircumference of adapter 108.

A tubular overhose 110 is received within and coupled to the adapter108. Tubular overhose 110 defines a passageway 110 a running the lengthof tubular overhose 110. An outer coupling surface 110 b is including ontubular overhose 110 for coupling the tubular overhose 110 to theoverhose coupling inner wall 108 c on adapter 108.

A plurality of bend limiters 112 are coupled to the overhose 110. Eachbend limiter 112 includes a plurality of bend limiter portions 112 a and112 b which couple together to define a longitudinal passageway 112 cthat receives overhose 110. Each bend limiter portion 112 a and 112 bincludes an internal annular groove 112 d at one end and an externalflange 112 e at the other end. A plurality of bend limiters such as bendlimiters 112 f and 112 g may couple to each other by situating theexternal flange 112 fe on bend limiter 112 f in the internal annulargroove 112 gd of bend limiter 112 g. Additional bend limiters 112 h and112 i may be coupled to bend limiters 112 f and 112 g in a similarmanner in extend the longitudinal passageway 112 c for receivingoverhose 110. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of adapterflanges 108 d and 108 e are situated in the internal annular groove 112d of a bend limiter 112. In an exemplary embodiment, the bend limiters112 are made of a buoyant material.

A plurality of tubes 114, such as tubes 114 a, 114 b, 114 c, 114 d, and114 e, may extend through passageway 110 a defined by overhose 110,passageway 108 a defined by adapter 108, passageway 106 b defined bycollar 106, and be coupled to couplers 102 f-j through holes 102 a-edefined by plate 102.

In an exemplary embodiment, the bend limiters 112 are providedsubstantially as described in U.S. Utility patent application Ser. No.10/841593, attorney docket #30383.6, filed on May 7, 2004, thedisclosure which is incorporated herein by reference.

In an exemplary embodiment, the plate 102, bars 104, and collar 106provide a connection member 116 for protecting the plurality of tubes114, rotating relative to the overhose 110, and connecting the system toa connector. Connection member 116 includes a longitudinal axis 116a. Inan exemplary embodiment, the adapter 108, overhose 110, and bendlimiters 112 provide a tubular lead member 118 for protecting theplurality of tubes 114 and rotating relative to the connection member116.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the system 100, asillustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 a, 2 b, 3, 4, 5 a, 5 b, 6, and 7, a method 200for termination is implemented using the system 100 in which, in step202, the plurality of tubes 114 are extended through the tubular leadmember 118 by way of the passageway 110 a defined by tubular overhose110. Once the tubes 114 are extended through the passageway 110 a, atstep 204, the tubes 114 are then extended through the passageway 108 adefined by adapter 108, passageway 106 b defined by collar 106, andthrough the holes 102 a-e on plate 102 where they are coupled to thecouplers 102 f-j on connection member 116. With the tubes 114 coupled tothe couplers 102 j, at step 206, the collar 106 on connection member 116is rotatably coupled to the adapter 108 on tubular lead member 118. Withthe collar 106 rotatably coupled to the adapter 108, the connectionmember 116 may rotate about the longitudinal axis 116 a. With the tubes114 coupled to the couplers 102 f-j on connection member 116, when theconnection member 116 rotates, the tubes 114 rotate in the passageway110 a of overhose 110, while the tubular lead member 118 may remainstationary. Tubular buoyancy devices, such as buoyancy device 104 h, areprovided on bars 104 that are connected to the upper portion of surface102 u on plate 102 such that when the system 100 is submerged in water,the connection member 116 will be held substantially in a predeterminedposition, such as position A illustrated in FIG. 1. In an exemplaryembodiment, the plurality of tubes 114 include a means for transmissionof a fluid, gas, electricity, or information. In an exemplaryembodiment, the plurality of tubes 114 may, for example, include coaxialcable, fiber optic cable, a variety of other information conductingcables, pipelines, hoses, and an variety of other transmission means.

Referring now to FIG. 8 a and 8 b, an alternative embodiment of atermination system 300 is substantially identical in design andoperation to the termination system 100 described above with referenceto FIGS. 1-7 with the addition of a vessel 302 and a tubular umbilical304, a portion of which replaces the overhose 110 of system 100,coupling the termination system 300 to the vessel 302. The tubularumbilical 304 defines a passageway 304 a which allows tubes 114 toextend through tubular umbilical 304 and includes an outer couplingsurface 304 b for coupling the tubular umbilical 304 to the overhosecoupling inner wall 108 c on adapter 108. The plurality of bend limiters112 may be coupled to an end of the umbilical 304.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the system 300, asillustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 a, 2 b, 3, 4, 5 a, 5 b, 6, 8 a, 8 b, and 9, amethod 400 for terminating an umbilical is implemented using the system300 in which, in step 402, the plurality of tubes 114 are situated inand extended through the passageway 304 a defined by umbilical 304. Oncethe tubes 114 are extended through the passageway 304 a defined byumbilical 304, at step 404, the tubes 114 are then extended through thepassageway 108 a defined by adapter 108, passageway 106 b defined bycollar 106, and through the holes 102 a-e on plate 102 where they arecoupled to the couplers 102 f-j on connection member 116. With the tubes114 coupled to the couplers 102 f-j, at step 406, the collar 106 onconnection member 116 is rotatably coupled to the adapter 108 on tubularlead member 118. With the collar 106 rotatably coupled to the adapter108, the connection member 116 may rotate about the longitudinal axis116 a. With the tubes 114 coupled to the couplers 102 f-j on connectionmember 116, when the connection member 116 rotates, the tubes 114 rotatein the umbilical 304, while the tubular lead member 118 and umbilical304 may remain stationary. In an exemplary embodiment, the system 300may then be situated beneath a body of water 306 while being coupled tothe vessel 302. Tubular buoyancy devices, such as buoyancy device 104 h,are provided on bars 104 that are connected to the upper portion ofsurface 102 u on plate 102 such that when the system 100 is submerged inwater, the connection member 116 will be held substantially in apredetermined position, such as position A illustrated in FIG. 8 a.

Referring now to FIG. 10 a and 10 b, an alternative embodiment of atermination system 500 is substantially identical in design andoperation to the termination system 300 described above with referenceto FIGS. 1-9 with the addition of an undersea well system 502 with aconnector 502 a on a surface 502 b of undersea well system 502.Connector 502 a includes a plurality of connections 502 aa,corresponding to couplers 102 f-j on connection member 116, whichprovide contacts for connections 102 l-p on couplers 102 f-j.

In an exemplary embodiment, during operation of the system 500, asillustrated in FIGS. 1, 2 a, 2 b, 3, 4, 5 a, 5 b, 6, 8 a, 8 b, 10, and11, a method 600 for termination is implemented using the system 500 inwhich, in step 602, the plurality of tubes 114 are situated in andextended through the passageway 304 a defined by umbilical 304. Once thetubes 114 are extended through the passageway 304 a defined by umbilical304, at step 604, the tubes 114 are then extended through the passageway108 a defined by adapter 108, passageway 106 b defined by collar 106,and through the holes 102 a-e on plate 102 where they are coupled to thecouplers 102 f-j on connection member 116. With the tubes 114 coupled tothe couplers 102 f-j, at step 606, the collar 106 on connection member116 is rotatably coupled to the adapter 108 on tubular lead member 118.With the collar 106 rotatably coupled to the adapter 108, the connectionmember 116 may rotate about the longitudinal axis 116 a. With the tubes114 coupled to the couplers 102 f-j on connection member 116, when theconnection member 116 rotates, the tubes 114 rotate in the umbilical304, while the tubular lead member 118 and umbilical 304 may remainstationary. When the connection member 116 is lined up with theconnections 502 aa on connector 502 a, in step 610, the connectionmember 116 is connected to the connector 502 a. In an exemplaryembodiment, the system 300 may then be situated beneath a body of water306 while being coupled to the vessel 302, and the connection to theundersea well system 502 may transmit information from undersea wellsystem 502, through tubes 114, and up to vessel 302. Tubular buoyancydevices, such as buoyancy device 104 h, are provided on bars 104 thatare connected to the upper portion of surface 102 u on plate 102 suchthat when the system 100 is submerged in water, the connection member116 will be held substantially in a predetermined position, such asposition A illustrated in FIG. 10 a which substantially lines upconnection member 116 to connect with connector 502 a.

A termination system has been described that includes a tubular leadmember defining a passageway, a connection member rotatably coupled tothe tubular lead member, and at least one tube coupled to the connectionmember, the at least one tube at least partially situated in thepassageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular lead membercomprises a plurality of bend limiters. In an exemplary embodiment, theplurality of bend limiters are buoyant. In an exemplary embodiment, thetubular lead member comprises an adapter for rotatably coupling to theconnection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection membercomprises a collar for rotatably coupling to the tubular lead member. Inan exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a plurality ofbars extending between the connection member and the collar. In anexemplary embodiment, at least one bar comprises a buoyancy devicecoupled to the at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to holdthe connection member substantially in a predetermined position. In anexemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a handle operableto rotate the connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, theconnection member comprises a plurality of guide holes defined by theconnection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide theconnection member for connecting to a connector. In an exemplaryembodiment, the connection member comprises at least one coupleroperable to couple the at least one tube to a connector. In an exemplaryembodiment, the connection member is rotatably coupled to the tubularlead member along a longitudinal axis. In an exemplary embodiment, theconnection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, therotation being relative to the tubular lead member.

An undersea umbilical has been described that includes a passagewaydefined by the umbilical, a terminating end on the umbilical, theterminating end comprising a tubular lead member, a connection memberrotatably coupled to the tubular lead member, and at least one tubecoupled to the connection member, the at least one tube at leastpartially situated in the passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, thetubular lead member comprises a plurality of bend limiters. In anexemplary embodiment, the plurality of bend limiters are buoyant. In anexemplary embodiment, the tubular lead member comprises an adapter forrotatably coupling to the connection member. In an exemplary embodiment,the connection member comprises a collar for rotatably coupling to thetubular lead member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection membercomprises a plurality of bars extending between the connection memberand the collar. In an exemplary embodiment, at least one bar comprises abuoyancy device coupled to the at least one bar, the buoyancy deviceoperable to hold the connection member substantially in a predeterminedposition. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises ahandle operable to rotate the connection member. In an exemplaryembodiment, the connection member comprises a plurality of guide holesdefined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operableto guide the connection member for connecting to a connector. In anexemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises at least onecoupler operable to couple the at least one tube to a connector. In anexemplary embodiment, the connection member is rotatably coupled to thetubular lead member along a longitudinal axis. In an exemplaryembodiment, the connection member is operable to rotate about thelongitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the tubular leadmember.

An undersea well system has been described that includes a connector,and an umbilical comprising a terminating end and defining a passageway,the umbilical coupled to the connector by a termination system, thetermination system comprising a tubular lead member on the terminatingend, a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member,and at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least onetube at least partially situated in the passageway. In an exemplaryembodiment, the tubular lead member comprises a plurality of bendlimiters. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of bend limiters arebuoyant. In an exemplary embodiment, the tubular lead member comprisesan adapter for rotatably coupling to the connection member. In anexemplary embodiment, the connection member comprises a collar forrotatably coupling to the tubular lead member. In an exemplaryembodiment, the connection member comprises a plurality of barsextending between the connection member and the collar. In an exemplaryembodiment, at least one bar comprises a buoyancy device coupled to theat least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connectionmember substantially in a predetermined position. In an exemplaryembodiment, the connection member comprises a handle operable to rotatethe connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection membercomprises a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member,the plurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member forconnecting to the connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the connectionmember comprises at least one coupler operable to couple the at leastone tube to the connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the connectionmember is rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member along alongitudinal axis. In an exemplary embodiment, the connection member isoperable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, the rotation beingrelative to the tubular lead member.

A method for terminating an umbilical has been described that includesextending at least one tube through the umbilical, protecting the atleast one tube in a passageway defined by a tubular lead member,rotatably coupling a connection member to the tubular lead member, theconnection member operable to rotate relative to the tubular leadmember, coupling the at least one tube to the connection member, wherebythe at least one tube is operable to rotate in the passageway relativeto the tubular lead member, and protecting the at least one tube withthe connection member. In an exemplary embodiment, the rotatablycoupling comprises coupling along a longitudinal axis of the connectionmember, whereby the connection member is operable to rotate about thelongitudinal axis.

A method for connecting a umbilical to an undersea well system has beendescribed that includes providing a connector on the undersea wellsystem, extending at least one tube through the umbilical for connectingto the connector, the umbilical comprising a terminating end, theterminating end comprising a lead member and a connection memberrotatably coupled to the lead member, coupling the at least one tube tothe connection member, whereby the at least one tube is operable torotate in the passageway relative to the tubular lead member uponrotation of the connection member, rotating the connection member toorientate the connection member with the connector, and connecting theat least one tube to the connector through the connection member. In anexemplary embodiment, the rotatably coupling comprises coupling along alongitudinal axis of the connection member, whereby the connectionmember is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

A termination system has been described that includes means forproviding a passageway, means for connecting the system to a connectorrotatably coupled to the means for providing a passageway, and means fortransmission coupled to the means for connecting the system to aconnector, the means for transmission at least partially situated in thepassageway of the means for providing a passageway. In an exemplaryembodiment, the means for providing a passageway comprises a means forlimiting bending of the means for providing a passageway. In anexemplary embodiment, the means for limiting bending of the means forproviding a passageway comprises a means for providing buoyancy. In anexemplary embodiment, the means for providing a passageway comprises ameans for rotatably coupling to the means for connecting the system to aconnector. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for connecting thesystem to a connector comprises a means for rotatably coupling to themeans for providing a passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the meansfor connecting the system to a connector comprises a means for rigidlycoupling extending between the means for connecting the system to aconnector and the means for rotatably coupling to the means forproviding a passageway. In an exemplary embodiment, the means forrigidly coupling comprises a means for holding the means for connectingthe system to a connector substantially in a predetermined position. Inan exemplary embodiment, the means for connecting the system to aconnector comprises a means for rotating the means for connecting thesystem to a connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the means forconnecting the system to a connector comprises a means for guiding themeans for connecting the system to a connector for connecting to aconnector. In an exemplary embodiment, the means for connecting thesystem to a connector comprises a means for coupling the means fortransmission to a connector. In an exemplary embodiment, the means forconnecting the system to a connector is rotatably coupled to the meansfor providing a passageway along a longitudinal axis. In an exemplaryembodiment, the means for connecting the system to a connector isoperable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, the rotation beingrelative to the means for providing a passageway.

A termination system been described that includes a connection membercomprising a collar and a longitudinal axis, a plurality of barsextending between the connection member and the collar, a buoyancydevice coupled to at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to holdthe connection member substantially in a predetermined position, aplurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, the pluralityof guide holes operable to guide the connection member for connecting toa connector, a flexible tubular lead member comprising an adapter, theadapter rotatably coupled to the collar, the adapter operable to rotatethe flexible tubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, therotation being relative to the connection member, a handle coupled tothe connection member, the handle operable to rotate the connectionmember, a plurality of buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexibletubular lead member, a passageway defined by the flexible tubular leadmember, at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at leastone tube at least partially situated in the passageway, and at least onecoupler coupled to the connection member, the at least one coupleroperable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.

An undersea umbilical been described that includes a passageway definedby the umbilical a terminating end comprising a flexible tubular leadmember, the flexible tubular lead member comprising an adapter, aplurality of buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexible tubular leadmember, a connection member comprising a collar and a longitudinal axis,the adapter coupled to the collar and operable to rotate the flexibletubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, the rotation beingrelative to the connection member, a plurality of bars extending betweenthe connection member and the collar, a buoyancy device coupled to atleast one bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connectionmember substantially in a predetermined position, a handle coupled tothe connection member, the handle operable to rotate the connectionmember, a plurality of guide holes defined by the connection member, theplurality of guide holes operable to guide the connection member forconnecting to the connector, at least one tube coupled to the connectionmember, the at least one tube at least partially situated in thepassageway, and at least one coupler operable to couple the at least onetube to the connector.

An undersea well system been described that includes a connector, and anumbilical comprising a terminating end and defining a passageway, theumbilical coupled to the connector by a termination system, thetermination system comprising a connection member comprising a collarand a longitudinal axis, a plurality of bars extending between theconnection member and the collar, a buoyancy device coupled to at leastone bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection membersubstantially in a predetermined position, a plurality of guide holesdefined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operableto guide the connection member for connecting to the connector, aflexible tubular lead member comprising an adapter on the terminatingend, the adapter rotatably coupled to the collar and operable to rotatethe flexible tubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, therotation being relative to the connection member, a handle coupled tothe connection member, the handle operable to rotate the connectionmember, a plurality of buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexibletubular lead member, at least one tube coupled to the connection member,the at least one tube at least partially situated in the passageway, andat least one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to theconnector.

A method for connecting a umbilical to an undersea well system beendescribed that includes providing a connector on the undersea wellsystem, providing a terminating end on the umbilical, the umbilicaldefining a passageway, providing a tubular lead member on theterminating end, situating at least one tube at least partially in thepassageway, providing a connection member, the connection membercomprising a longitudinal axis, rotatably coupling a connection memberto the tubular lead member along the longitudinal axis, whereby theconnection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis,coupling the at least one tube to the connection member, lining up theconnection member with the connector by rotating the connection memberabout the longitudinal axis, and connecting the connection member to theconnector.

A termination system been described that includes means for connectingthe system to a connector comprising a longitudinal axis, means formanipulating the means for connecting the system to a connector, meansfor guiding the means for connecting the system to a connector forconnecting to a connector, means for providing a passageway coupled tothe means for connecting the system to a connector along thelongitudinal axis, means for limiting bending coupled to the means forproviding a passageway, means for coupling the means for providing apassageway to the means for connecting the system to a connector, meansfor coupling the means for connecting the system to a connector to themeans for providing a passageway, means for rigidly coupling extendingbetween the means for connecting the system to a connector and the meansfor rotatably coupling to the means for providing a passageway, meansfor providing buoyancy coupled to the means for rigidly coupling, themeans for providing buoyancy operable to hold the means for connectingthe system to a connector substantially in a predetermined position,means for transmission coupled to the means for connecting the system toa connector, the means for transmission at least partially situated inthe passageway, and means for coupling the means for transmission to aconnector.

It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing withoutdeparting from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, theelements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments may becombined in whole or in part some or all of the illustrated embodiments.

Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, a widerange of modification, change and substitution is contemplated in theforegoing disclosure and in some instances, some features of theembodiments may be employed without a corresponding use of otherfeatures. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims beconstrued broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of theembodiments disclosed herein.

1. A termination system comprising: a tubular lead member defining apassageway; a connection member rotatably coupled to the tubular leadmember; and at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the atleast one tube at least partially situated in the passageway.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the tubular lead member comprises a pluralityof bend limiters.
 3. The system of claim 2 wherein the plurality of bendlimiters are buoyant.
 4. The system of claim 1 wherein the tubular leadmember comprises an adapter for rotatably coupling to the connectionmember.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein the connection member comprisesa collar for rotatably coupling to the tubular lead member.
 6. Thesystem of claim 5 wherein the connection member comprises a plurality ofbars extending between the connection member and the collar.
 7. Thesystem of claim 6 wherein at least one bar comprises a buoyancy devicecoupled to the at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to holdthe connection member substantially in a predetermined position.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the connection member comprises a handleoperable to rotate the connection member.
 9. The system of claim 1wherein the connection member comprises a plurality of guide holesdefined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operableto guide the connection member for connecting to a connector.
 10. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the connection member comprises at least onecoupler operable to couple the at least one tube to a connector.
 11. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the connection member is rotatably coupled tothe tubular lead member along a longitudinal axis.
 12. The system ofclaim 11 wherein the connection member is operable to rotate about thelongitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the tubular leadmember.
 13. An undersea umbilical comprising: a passageway defined bythe umbilical; a terminating end on the umbilical, the terminating endcomprising a tubular lead member; a connection member rotatably coupledto the tubular lead member; and at least one tube coupled to theconnection member, the at least one tube at least partially situated inthe passageway.
 14. The umbilical of claim 13 wherein the tubular leadmember comprises a plurality of bend limiters.
 15. The umbilical ofclaim 14 wherein the plurality of bend limiters are buoyant.
 16. Theumbilical of claim 13 wherein the tubular lead member comprises anadapter for rotatably coupling to the connection member.
 17. Theumbilical of claim 13 wherein the connection member comprises a collarfor rotatably coupling to the tubular lead member.
 18. The umbilical ofclaim 17 wherein the connection member comprises a plurality of barsextending between the connection member and the collar.
 19. Theumbilical of claim 18 wherein at least one bar comprises a buoyancydevice coupled to the at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable tohold the connection member substantially in a predetermined position.20. The umbilical of claim 13 wherein the connection member comprises ahandle operable to rotate the connection member.
 21. The umbilical ofclaim 13 wherein the connection member comprises a plurality of guideholes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holesoperable to guide the connection member for connecting to a connector.22. The umbilical of claim 13 wherein the connection member comprises atleast one coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to aconnector.
 23. The umbilical of claim 13 wherein the connection memberis rotatably coupled to the tubular lead member along a longitudinalaxis.
 24. The umbilical of claim 23 wherein the connection member isoperable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, the rotation beingrelative to the tubular lead member.
 25. An undersea well systemcomprising: a connector; and an umbilical comprising a terminating endand defining a passageway, the umbilical coupled to the connector by atermination system, the termination system comprising: a tubular leadmember on the terminating end; a connection member rotatably coupled tothe tubular lead member; and at least one tube coupled to the connectionmember, the at least one tube at least partially situated in thepassageway.
 26. The well system of claim 25 wherein the tubular leadmember comprises a plurality of bend limiters.
 27. The well system ofclaim 26 wherein the plurality of bend limiters are buoyant.
 28. Thewell system of claim 25 wherein the tubular lead member comprises anadapter for rotatably coupling to the connection member.
 29. The wellsystem of claim 25 wherein the connection member comprises a collar forrotatably coupling to the tubular lead member.
 30. The well system ofclaim 29 wherein the connection member comprises a plurality of barsextending between the connection member and the collar.
 31. The wellsystem of claim 30 wherein at least one bar comprises a buoyancy devicecoupled to the at least one bar, the buoyancy device operable to holdthe connection member substantially in a predetermined position.
 32. Thewell system of claim 25 wherein the connection member comprises a handleoperable to rotate the connection member.
 33. The well system of claim25 wherein the connection member comprises a plurality of guide holesdefined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operableto guide the connection member for connecting to the connector.
 34. Thewell system of claim 25 wherein the connection member comprises at leastone coupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.35. The well system of claim 25 wherein the connection member isrotatably coupled to the tubular lead member along a longitudinal axis.36. The well system of claim 35 wherein the connection member isoperable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, the rotation beingrelative to the tubular lead member.
 37. A method for terminating anumbilical comprising: extending at least one tube through the umbilical;protecting the at least one tube in a passageway defined by a tubularlead member; rotatably coupling a connection member to the tubular leadmember, the connection member operable to rotate relative to the tubularlead member; coupling the at least one tube to the connection member,whereby the at least one tube is operable to rotate in the passagewayrelative to the tubular lead member; and protecting the at least onetube with the connection member.
 38. The method of claim 37 wherein therotatably coupling comprises coupling along a longitudinal axis of theconnection member, whereby the connection member is operable to rotateabout the longitudinal axis.
 39. A method for connecting a umbilical toan undersea well system comprising: providing a connector on theundersea well system; extending at least one tube through the umbilicalfor connecting to the connector, the umbilical comprising a terminatingend, the terminating end comprising a lead member and a connectionmember rotatably coupled to the lead member; coupling the at least onetube to the connection member, whereby the at least one tube is operableto rotate in the passageway relative to the tubular lead member uponrotation of the connection member; rotating the connection member toorientate the connection member with the connector; and connecting theat least one tube to the connector through the connection member. 40.The method of claim 39 wherein the rotatably coupling comprises couplingalong a longitudinal axis of the connection member, whereby theconnection member is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis. 41.A termination system comprising: means for providing a passageway; meansfor connecting the system to a connector rotatably coupled to the meansfor providing a passageway; and means for transmission coupled to themeans for connecting the system to a connector, the means fortransmission at least partially situated in the passageway of the meansfor providing a passageway.
 42. The system of claim 41 wherein the meansfor providing a passageway comprises a means for limiting bending of themeans for providing a passageway.
 43. The system of claim 42 wherein themeans for limiting bending of the means for providing a passagewaycomprises a means for providing buoyancy.
 44. The system of claim 41wherein the means for providing a passageway comprises a means forrotatably coupling to the means for connecting the system to aconnector.
 45. The system of claim 41 wherein the means for connectingthe system to a connector comprises a means for rotatably coupling tothe means for providing a passageway.
 46. The system of claim 45 whereinthe means for connecting the system to a connector comprises a means forrigidly coupling extending between the means for connecting the systemto a connector and the means for rotatably coupling to the means forproviding a passageway.
 47. The system of claim 46 wherein the means forrigidly coupling comprises a means for holding the means for connectingthe system to a connector substantially in a predetermined position. 48.The system of claim 41 wherein the means for connecting the system to aconnector comprises a means for rotating the means for connecting thesystem to a connector.
 49. The system of claim 41 wherein the means forconnecting the system to a connector comprises a means for guiding themeans for connecting the system to a connector for connecting to aconnector.
 50. The system of claim 41 wherein the means for connectingthe system to a connector comprises a means for coupling the means fortransmission to a connector.
 51. The system of claim 41 wherein themeans for connecting the system to a connector is rotatably coupled tothe means for providing a passageway along a longitudinal axis.
 52. Thesystem of claim 51 wherein the means for connecting the system to aconnector is operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis, therotation being relative to the means for providing a passageway.
 53. Atermination system comprising: a connection member comprising a collarand a longitudinal axis; a plurality of bars extending between theconnection member and the collar; a buoyancy device coupled to at leastone bar, the buoyancy device operable to hold the connection membersubstantially in a predetermined position; a plurality of guide holesdefined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holes operableto guide the connection member for connecting to a connector; a flexibletubular lead member comprising an adapter, the adapter rotatably coupledto the collar, the adapter operable to rotate the flexible tubular leadmember about the longitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to theconnection member; a handle coupled to the connection member, the handleoperable to rotate the connection member; a plurality of buoyant bendlimiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member; a passagewaydefined by the flexible tubular lead member; at least one tube coupledto the connection member, the at least one tube at least partiallysituated in the passageway; and at least one coupler coupled to theconnection member, the at least one coupler operable to couple the atleast one tube to the connector.
 54. An undersea umbilical comprising: apassageway defined by the umbilical; a terminating end comprising aflexible tubular lead member, the flexible tubular lead membercomprising an adapter; a plurality of buoyant bend limiters coupled tothe flexible tubular lead member; a connection member comprising acollar and a longitudinal axis, the adapter coupled to the collar andoperable to rotate the flexible tubular lead member about thelongitudinal axis, the rotation being relative to the connection member;a plurality of bars extending between the connection member and thecollar; a buoyancy device coupled to at least one bar, the buoyancydevice operable to hold the connection member substantially in apredetermined position; a handle coupled to the connection member, thehandle operable to rotate the connection member; a plurality of guideholes defined by the connection member, the plurality of guide holesoperable to guide the connection member for connecting to the connector;at least one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least onetube at least partially situated in the passageway; and at least onecoupler operable to couple the at least one tube to the connector. 55.An undersea well system comprising: a connector; and an umbilicalcomprising a terminating end and defining a passageway, the umbilicalcoupled to the connector by a termination system, the termination systemcomprising: a connection member comprising a collar and a longitudinalaxis; a plurality of bars extending between the connection member andthe collar; a buoyancy device coupled to at least one bar, the buoyancydevice operable to hold the connection member substantially in apredetermined position; a plurality of guide holes defined by theconnection member, the plurality of guide holes operable to guide theconnection member for connecting to the connector; a flexible tubularlead member comprising an adapter on the terminating end, the adapterrotatably coupled to the collar and operable to rotate the flexibletubular lead member about the longitudinal axis, the rotation beingrelative to the connection member; a handle coupled to the connectionmember, the handle operable to rotate the connection member; a pluralityof buoyant bend limiters coupled to the flexible tubular lead member; atleast one tube coupled to the connection member, the at least one tubeat least partially situated in the passageway; and at least one coupleroperable to couple the at least one tube to the connector.
 56. A methodfor connecting a umbilical to an undersea well system comprising:providing a connector on the undersea well system; providing aterminating end on the umbilical, the umbilical defining a passageway;providing a tubular lead member on the terminating end; situating atleast one tube at least partially in the passageway; providing aconnection member, the connection member comprising a longitudinal axis;rotatably coupling a connection member to the tubular lead member alongthe longitudinal axis, whereby the connection member is operable torotate about the longitudinal axis; and coupling the at least one tubeto the connection member; lining up the connection member with theconnector by rotating the connection member about the longitudinal axis;connecting the connection member to the connector.
 57. A terminationsystem comprising: means for connecting the system to a connectorcomprising a longitudinal axis; means for manipulating the means forconnecting the system to a connector; means for guiding the means forconnecting the system to a connector for connecting to a connector;means for providing a passageway coupled to the means for connecting thesystem to a connector along the longitudinal axis; means for limitingbending coupled to the means for providing a passageway; means forcoupling the means for providing a passageway to the means forconnecting the system to a connector; means for coupling the means forconnecting the system to a connector to the means for providing apassageway; means for rigidly coupling extending between the means forconnecting the system to a connector and the means for rotatablycoupling to the means for providing a passageway; means for providingbuoyancy coupled to the means for rigidly coupling, the means forproviding buoyancy operable to hold the means for connecting the systemto a connector substantially in a predetermined position; means fortransmission coupled to the means for connecting the system to aconnector, the means for transmission at least partially situated in thepassageway; and means for coupling the means for transmission to aconnector.